great
• adjective 1 of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average. 2 of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above average. 3 informal excellent. 4 most important: the great thing is the challenge. 5 particularly deserving a specified description: I was a great fan of Hank’s. 6 (Greater) (of a city) including adjacent urban areas. 7 in combination (in names of family relationships) referring to one degree further removed upwards or downwards: a great-great-grandfather. • noun 1 a distinguished person. 2 (Greats) the honours course in classics, philosophy, and ancient history at Oxford University. • adverb informal very well. — PHRASES Great Scott! expressing surprise or amazement. arbitrary euphemism for Great God! — DERIVATIVES greatness noun. — ORIGIN Old English.
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